Type 10

The Type 10 is a new main battle tank (MBT) developed for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JDSDF) as replacement for the aging Type 74 tanks. The 44-ton tank is more compact and lighter than the Type 90 MBT but retains the three-man crew. Nevertheless, the armor has been improved at frontal section of the tank and specially at the turret which features a new 120mm smoothbore gun. The turret is also equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Powered by a water-cooled, four-cycle eight-cylinder diesel engine it can achieve a top speed of 70 kph on road. The first batch of 13 Type 10 tanks was produced and delivered in 2010. It is intended as the replacement for the surviving Type 74 tank fleet (400-500 units) in service with Japan as of late 2010. The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the new tank within the JGSDF is expected in 2011 or 2012. The Type 10 is considered by Japan a fourth generation tank that while retains armor, firepower and protection features similar to third generation tanks such as Type 90 adds big improvements in terms of Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Information (C4I). These tanks are specially equipped to share information among them and infantry units within computer-based network centric operations architecture. The Type 10 tank flexibility allows it to deal with traditional threats such as armored formations and enemy taks as well as new ones such as special operation forces equipped with advanced anti-tank weapons.

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